Senior Health Spotlight: detecting and preventing malnutrition

Good nutrition is critical to overall health and well-being, yet many seniors are at risk of inadequate nutrition. As the adult child or caregiver of a senior, you can learn the signs and risks of malnutrition and how to promote a nutrient-rich diet.

Malnutrition can lead to various health concerns including:

A weakened immune system which increases the risk of infection.

Poor wound healing.

Muscle weakness and decreased bone mass which can lead to falls and fractures which in turn can lead to more serious medical issues such as trauma, head injuries, fractures, and surgical procedures.

A higher risk of hospitalization and subsequent readmission.

An increased risk of death.

Malnutrition is often caused by a combination of physical, social and psychological issues. For example:

Changes in taste, smell and appetite: Seniors experience these normal age-related changes, making it more difficult to enjoy eating and keep regular eating habits.

Illness: Illnesses can contribute to declines in appetite and changes in how the body processes nutrients.

Medications: Some medications can affect appetite or the ability to absorb nutrients.

Eating Impairments: Difficulty chewing or swallowing, poor dental health, or limited ability in handling silverware can contribute to malnutrition.

Cognitive Changes: Behavioral or memory problems from Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia can result in forgetting to eat or not buying groceries.

Depression: Grief, loneliness, failing health, lack of mobility and other factors might contribute to depression causing loss of appetite.

Social Isolation: Seniors who eat alone might not enjoy meals as before and lose interest in cooking and eating.

Special Diets: Dietary restrictions for managing medical conditions such as limits on salt, fat or sugar might also contribute to inadequate eating.

Fixed/limited income: Seniors may have trouble affording groceries especially if increased medical needs are causing a strain on their income (i.e., prescription medication costs).

Nutrition Monitoring to Prevent Malnutrition

As a caregiver or adult child of a senior, you can take steps to monitor nutritional health, watch for weight loss and address risk factors of malnutrition. Consider the following:

Monitor weight: Have the senior check his or her weight at home and keep a weekly record. Changes in how clothes fit can also indicate weight loss.

Observe habits: Spend mealtimes together to observe eating habits. Note what kinds of food are eaten and how much.

Help with meal plans: Help plan healthy meals or prepare meals ahead of time. Prepare extra food and properly store to reheat later. Help prepare a shopping list or shop together and assist with moneysaving shopping choices if income is an issue.

Use local services: Contact local service agencies that provide at-home meal deliveries. The local Area Agency on Aging or a county social worker can provide information about services.

Make meals social events: Drop by during mealtime or invite the senior to your home for occasional meals. Go out to eat at a restaurant with senior discounts.

Encourage regular physical activity: Daily exercise can stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscles.

Improving Nutrition

Mealtime strategies to help a senior maintain a healthy diet and good eating habits include:

Nutrient-rich foods: Plan meals with nutrient-rich foods that include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean meats.

Herbs and spices: Use herbs and spices to add flavor to meals and improve interest in eating. Experiment to find favorites.

Healthy snacks:

Plan nutrient-rich snacks between meals with fruits, vegetables or low-fat dairy products.

Nutritional supplements: Use supplemental nutrition drinks to help with calorie intake.

Water: Encourage fluid intake of non-caffeinated beverages such as water to promote hydration throughout the day.

In addition to these mealtime strategies, talk to your family member's doctor about any concerns you have regarding changes in their weight, changes in appetite, or other concerns about health and nutrition. If your loved one lives in a long-term care, assisted or independent living facility, alert the care team to any concerns as well. Non-medical home care agencies also offer assistance with grocery shopping, meal planning and prep along with feeding assistance. There are several local resources available to keep older adults nourished and healthy in order to maintain quality of life.

TANYA FERBER Senior Helpers Home Care of Eastern North Dakota

Tanya is a Fargo native and holds a Bachelor’s in Nursing from North Dakota State University and a Master’s in Business from the University of Phoenix. She has a passion for being a trusted advisor and helping the elderly in her community and their families navigate options to ensure a better quality of life. Senior Helpers provides dependable and affordable in home care at a moment’s notice. Visit seniorhelpers.com/nd/fargo. [ aw ]